Greetings all

The moderator has pointed to other posts - this is more of a hiking forum as they point out. I am both an occasional hunter - I used to cull pests - and a former soldier. I am totally comfortable carrying firearms, but seeing civilians with them gives me the heebie-jeebies.
I see very little point in carrying a pistol. I think its utility is more psychological than anything else. If you ARE going to carry one - it has to be accessible otherwise what's the point? This would rightly freak folks out. If you are really concerned about crocodiles (I've hiked in places like that), then nothing short of a long arm will do the job. Similarly in, say, Alaska. Alternatively - just keep out of the way! Far easier.
If carrying a long arm (rifle) - that's a whole new set of issues. I'd keep the pistol at home locked in a safe. Noone else seems to need it, even in bear country.
For what its worth, in the army if I had to carry a pistol it was simply in a hip holster on my webbing belt.
Cheers
Reggie